Chapter 26 A shadow of the world

How much time had passed for him, as if the years made any difference.

How many times have he observed this world, as if he could find something interesting.

How many times has he stayed aside from their way, as if his assistance could ever help them.

How many times has he judged their choices, as if he could be surprised by the same routine.

How many times have they disappointed him, as if they could prove him wrong.

As a Yami Tool, he cares little for the inhabitants of this world. He should stop thinking about it; in the end, it was all the same to him.

Every day innocents die, corruption invades nations, the strongest abuse the weak and, above all, they choose the same path. No matter what dimension they are in, what era, or type of species this world offers, only when someone with unquestionable authority appears can they change the course of the world or lead it to its ruin.

"For now... let's focus on the target."

He put his thoughts behind and continued his surveillance over the castle, the new castle of the two sisters, the Castle of Canterlot. As far as he knew, this castle was built when the older sister couldn't suppress her pain when the younger sister went... crazy with her desires.

After that and countless disputes, they choose a mountain city to show the prosperity and power the royal family has. For him, it was the same as with any civilization that had ever risen, and fallen, for he already had a plan to destroy this city.

If ordered to do so, he could destroy the base of the mountain, making it unstable and causing it to collapse. However, he had to consider the Pegasus-type flight abilities and Unicorn magic. His plan would be useless and a waste if he was only targeting the city. For a single target, he needed to be certain.

"And hiding and eliminating any evidence of my presence would be... tedious too. But could these ponies know about me?", he said speaking out loud after seeing the changing of the guard. "Apparently, peace can make them soft and carefree. For a moment, I thought they would change with war upon them... I expected nothing from them, yet I still feel disappointed."

The Yami Tool watched as two guards returned from their patrol. He observed this from the tower he had chosen to surveil the castle.

The guards could be seen in a hallway with the windows open. One of the guards, unaware of being watched, felt a sudden chill. He stopped and began checking his surroundings, including the outside through the window, as if he realized were being observed. But there was nothing—no sign of life, no hint of danger.

Even the tower stood silent and empty, or so it seemed.

"Huh?", the pegasus stallion guard scratches his head. "I thought there was something there?"

"Really?", his fellow earth guard looks around, also at the empty tower. "Isn't it your imagination?"

"Yeah, as if my imagination could create something that made me feel like my life was over.", he said, approaching the window and looking around, even below. "Believe me, I really thought there was something to be afraid of."

"Come on.", the earth guard decided it wasn't serious and walked away. "You're too serious about this job. Just because there's a new princess, we had an intruder a few weeks ago, and because you're applying for the new Night's Watch doesn't mean... Hmm?"

When he didn't hear anything behind him, he stopped. He turned around quickly, scanning the hallway and the open window. There was nothing—no movement, no sound, and no sign of his partner. The silence was unsettling, and he felt a chill run down his spine as he realized he was alone.

The earth guard readied his spear and walked to the last place he saw his companion. He turned every corner cautiously, even though the room was well lit. Every dark spot filled him with dread, as if something was lurking, ready to pounce.

"Hey! Where are you buddy?", he approached the middle of the hallway and started calling out to his partner, there was no response. When it was too much of a joke, he walked to the window. "This isn't funny! You better show up now!"

He checked his surroundings once more and decided to look outside. Thanks to Luna, the night was not as dark as it had been under Celestia's rule, but it was not enough to ease the fears and worries of the guard. When he was at the edge of the window, he began to look around, up and down, towards the patio. He tried to find something that would tell him something. Until he saw some movement in the bush below.

The earth guard leaned out further, hanging from the window to discern the shadows below. Defying common sense, determined to figure out what happened to his partner, he focused intently on the shadows. He narrowed his eyes, even sticking his tongue out as if it would give him extra perception. In the bushes below, he spotted a patch of fur and subtle movement. The shadows seemed to dance and shift, drawing his focus entirely.

He was so absorbed in the scene below that he failed to notice the looming shadow above him.

"What is that thing?", he leaned even further. "I swear I think it's a—WHAT THE!", he leaned too far and fell.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—Could you shut up already!—AAAAAAAAAA... Huh?"

He opened his eyes, expecting to kiss the ground, but it was still far below. The earth guard blinked in disbelief. The distance from the window was unchanged. In fact, he had never fallen. Just as he calmed down, he heard the flapping of wings and the voice of his companion.

"What in Tartarus were you trying to do?", he turned as best he could, while hanging, to find his missing partner holding him by the waist on the edge of the window.

"Dude! I was looking for you!", the earth guard turns again and points to the bushes. "I thought there was something down there and I thought it was you!"

They both turned to the bushes, noticing increased activity accompanied by the shouts of the guards. The pegasus guard was about to fly over with his buddy when they saw a white rabbit hopping away. Turns out, it was one of the new rabbits from the castle garden, trying to build its own home. They watched the rabbit hop back to the garden, probably regretting its little adventure.

"Yeah... good job.", the pegasus guard hovers with his partner with his mouth open. "You prevent one of the royal garden bunnies from getting lost. This will give you the salary increase you asked for! HAHAHAHA!"

"Just shut up and put me back inside!", after the scare of his life and the embarrassment, the earth guard was back safe and sound. He fixed his uniform while grumbling, "Buck you! I was so close to dying because of your prank, idiot! You better have a good reason for this, or I swear, if we weren't friends, Rapid, I'd leave you behind."

"Relax, Boulder.", after getting his partner to safety, Rapid returned to the window and double-checked. "I flew out to check the surroundings, but in the end, I found nothing on the roof or around the towers."

"And that's why I almost died?!", Boulder got tired and returned with the patrol, leaving the place. "I'm leaving. Good luck with your imaginary friend. Buck you and your promotion."

"Oh, come on, we have to make sure the castle is safe. While I want that promotion, we still have to keep the hall safe from intruders.", Rapid left the window and started to walk away.

He noticed Boulder was leaving for real and went to catch up with him, not turning around to see the 'imaginary friend' that had appeared a moment ago.

They both leave the hallway, not realizing that the 'imaginary friend' was standing behind them in the middle of the hallway on the other side. The Yami Tool stood there, not even trying to hide its presence, but those two foolish guards never noticed it. Disappointed again, even without expecting anything from them, just listening to their silly conversation.

"And why are you trying? Shining will definitely get the new position of Captain of the Royal Guard. And more mares will compare him to us, like Spark and Lift do! It's not that it makes us more popular and just gives us more work.", Boulder's figure was disappearing around the corner, with Rapid behind him.

The last thing he heard from them was Rapid's response. "At least we can try. I heard there are new mares in the medical department. With the new promotion, we will be able to check our nursing newbies for no real reason and impress them......"

"Are all species the same... -CLICK- No matter where I go, he was right all along...", he removed his hand from his old partner under his coat and turned towards his objective. "Idiots will be idiots in the end."

The Yami Tool walks through the halls of the castle, although it was the first time he did so, he walked as if he had lived in this place before. With just one view of the guard patrol, he already know the routes and their blind spots. He passed through those weak points with an easy step, without haste or worries.

He still hides at some points, simply moving to the side or hiding behind castle decorations. And still no guard or maid knew that he was around the corner, next to them or above or below them.

His infiltration was too easy, he even reached important areas of the castles without any challenge. Nothing stopped him even as he approached the guest and royal living rooms. This section had the princesses' rooms and where they slept. Where Celestia, Cadance, and even Luna is still recovering, are resting at this moment.

This intruder was walking directly towards the entrance hall of this section.

And he passed, ignoring the entrance to the princess's chambers of the castle. For his objective was located elsewhere.

The intruder continued walking in the shadows, unnoticed and undetected. He never revealed his presence, ensuring that no one in the castle knew such a dangerous individual was passing by. Confident in his abilities, he felt no concern. It was better for everypony if they didn't see him. However, the Yami Tool, despite his reluctance, still challenged the ponies, as if daring them to prove him wrong about his low opinion of them.

His wish was never and will never be fulfilled when he arrived at the castle's militia section, also known as the castle's royal guard section.

The Yami Tool could see the guards' headquarters from the shadows of the hall. He knew this place and could arrive at any time, he even obtained information about who was here at this moment. He knew that Captain Iron was in the infirmary with his wife Pink. Even he knew the location of the other department heads who were here, including the future Chief of Espionage. And he turned to the other side, where his true objective was.

Shortly after missing his chance in the Everfree Forest, after returning from his long journey from Manehattan, he arrives at the stairs of the castle's dungeons. And his descent began.

At the entrance to the dungeons, two guards, a mustard unicorn-furred stallion and a maroon-earth-furred mare guarded the prisoners.

The unicorn stallion had reading the newspaper with the title 'The Return of the Lost Princess Luna' with columns like 'Aftermath of the Longest Night' and 'The Dark Knight of Ponyville, Grandma's Rumors Are True'. Still he was ready like his partner. The mare was busy with her weights ready to throw them.

"996, 997, 998, 999... 1000! Uff!", she lowered the two 25 kg dumbbells with a THUNK. Standing up straight, she wiped the sweat from her brow and her short mane. "That took longer than usual. Damn it, it'll take time to get back to my previous state."

She was wearing her lower guard uniform but had removed her top, leaving her in just her sports bra, her muscular big chest and arms on display. However, she did not have any problems with her male partner.

He was fine while reading his newspaper. "Well, you just had your first filly with your husband a few years ago. I heard that the mare's body changes when they go through pregnancy until birth, but I think your family won't mind... By the way, how long have you been married to him?"

"Hehehe, I know. That nerd of a husband will always say that I'm the most beautiful mare ever.", she wiped herself with her towel and then put on her top uniform. "We met in college when he was trying to gain some muscles. Since then I became his coach. You see, he didn't have any experience with mares, so every time our bodies rubbed together, even the tips of my breasts, he instantly turned nervous red. And I like that about him, and also during our 2 years of marriage."

"Really?" He turned to the next page of his newspaper. "So, you're the dominant one in bed?"

"Only when it's my turn, his body still can't match my resistance. But, oh boy~", she put her hand on his cheek hiding her blush with dreamy eyes. "Our first time together was super special. Like his confession, he took the initiative. I never expected how wild he took me, he almost tried to pick me up while thrusting me."

"But he couldn't handle you and you changed places with him?... Please don't be mad at me, I'm joking.", he lowered his newspaper when he didn't get a response. However, the blush on her face as she scratched told him the answer. He had to change the subject then. "Ahem. So... what's it like having your own foal?"

"Hehehe, well... it's the most precious thing any pony could wish for.", she moves her dumbbells where they won't get in the way.

"Hehe, well... it's the most precious thing any pony could wish for.", she moved her dumbbells out of the way. "When she grabs your finger for the first time, it eases any worries about not being a good parent.", she turned around, ready to ask her own question. "What about you? Is your coltfriend interested in foals?"

"We just met," he responds, leaning forward in his chair, hands on his knees with the newspaper. "Also, he recently discovered his feelings and interest in stallions, so I'm helping him with that. Having foals may not be on his mind at the moment."

"It seems reasonable to me, well I hope you both have a great time together.", she sat in her seat on the other side, resting from her training. "And have you already decided if you want a filly or a colt?"

He began to think, although he had already preferred a filly from his niece. "If I had to choose... I would like to have a filly. I want to be friends with her even if we can't be her biological parents. Y- THUNK

They both stand up and prepare to fight with their spears and shields. And then they heard it, a CLICK.

Even though they were lazy, they were mentally prepared to fight to the death to prevent the prisoners from escaping. They dedicated their lives to defending the dungeon and facing any threat. Side by side, their eyes narrowed as the CLICK sounds grew closer, only to see a black marble rolling down the stairs.

CLICK CLICK CLICK The marble falls to the last step, to roll to the mare's hoof.

They both carefully examined the marble before turning their attention back to the stairs, where darkness was all they could see. They sharpened their senses, searching for any sign of life, but found none. Realizing it was time to act, the mare decided to take matters into her own hands.

"I'll go take a look. If you can't hear me anymore, sound the alarm.", she began to climb slowly, and after a few more steps, she disappeared into the darkness.

The unicorn guard fixed his eyes on the total darkness, he was ready to attack or stop any threat. He waited seconds that were hours long. He redirects his ears towards the stairs and focuses his magic on anything. When enough time has passed, as he walks towards the alarm, his ears pick up sounds of steps on the stairs. He was ready for any thing, but was catch off guard since the voice of his companion could be heard.

"Damn it! I need your help here! A vase fell on a maid! I need help here! NOW!", the voice was far away but he could hear it since she was on the top steps of the stairs.

"My help? What do you mean?! We can't leave the entrance and the prisoners unguarded!", but he received no response. He waited and waited until he finally gave up and followed his instincts. "Buck... better check quickly."

He took the keys to the dungeon and cells, attaching them to his belt. Then, he started running up the stairs to help her, disappearing into the darkness.

A few more seconds passed, and nothing emerged from the dark stairs. The torches at the entrance flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls, the only signs of life. The faint smell of burning oil mixed with the musty scent of the dungeon. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the distant drip of water. Suddenly, two red eyes lit up, piercing through the darkness, sending a chill through the air.

With metal steps, the Yami Tool walked down, his coat blending seamlessly into the darkness. Reaching the last step, he took out the keys he had taken from the guard. He crouched down, examining each key and its teeth. In less than 10 seconds, he found the correct one and inserted it, listening to the click as it opened. Once done, he stood up and tossed the keys at the base of the stairs, then proceeded to enter.

He walked inside, moving swiftly without turning or checking any cells. Cloaked in darkness, he remained undetected by the other prisoners. Gliding past the cells like a ghost, he reached his target. When he reached it, he stood, checking the room to ensure there was nothing to worry about. Satisfied, he moved his black metal hand inside through the bars. Using the same marble that had distracted the guards, he placed it behind the lock as if it were glued there.

POP

With a silent explosion, the cell lock disintegrated under the spark of the black flame, opening the cell door and awakening the pony inside. The Yami Tool opened the cell door and entered to finally speak to his prey.

Surprised that his target only stared back at him. "Strange...it seems like you already knew this was going to happen."

The Yami Tool under his dark, heavy coat speaks to his target. "Perhaps you used a clairvoyance spell for this day? Former Supreme Mage of the magic guild, descendant of Star the Bearer, Stellar Spell. Or do you prefer your other name?"

The unicorn stallion had been stripped of his majestic robe and now wore the castle's prisoner tunic. A collar encircled his neck, metal handcuffs with heavy weights hindered his movements, and an anti-magic metal ring was secured on his horn. Yet, his eyes still held the power and wisdom they once had, until he was defeated by one of his own kind—the guest he was now waiting for.

The light blue unicorn with a white mane stared with his violet eyes into the intruder's red eyes, sitting on the stone floor against the wall.

"I already abandoned my old self for power. However, I still do not wish to return to my old title after everything I have done. I abandoned more than my old life, including my family... and my granddaughter.", he closes eyes and exhales his frustration.

"Even now I reject it... so call me with my current title.", the prisoner opened his eyes accepting his fate. "We can use my alias, Fire, to call me now."

"So be it," the Yami Tool walks up to him. "However, that doesn't answer my question."

"Really? You want to know that?", Fire was really surprised, but after meeting Shadow, he already accepted it. "Are you like your brother? Are the Yami Tools friendly enough to make small talk?"

Fire then smiled at what he wanted to say next. "Or are you two an exception?"

"......", Yami Tool stops and remains silent, looking at him.

Fire did the same and didn't want to disturb his thinking. But with little time at his disposal, the Yami Tool launched his curiosity for Fire. "What have you discovered so far? You seem to know Unit #3's secrets and mine. No, instead, what you're looking for is... showing it off.

"You flatter me, but I didn't get that far, if that's what you think," Fire responds without letting the conversation cool. "Your brother... hmm, so he is Unit #3... let's move on, he is a living legend as our queen in our lands. I check his reports and tales of the war of the two princesses a thousand years ago. So there's not much to discover."

The Yami Tool remained silent and let Fire continue.

"A thousand years ago, he emerged as a servant of the reigning lord of chaos. Little was known about him beyond his merits, skills, and unwavering obedience to orders. Though he was eventually defeated, he reappeared when the magic sealing him wore off. His actions that day caused an uproar in Canterlot, and as part of my duties as Fire, I needed to investigate the incident."

Then Fire's eyes narrowed, because of how serious his next words were going to be.

"And that's when I learned the rules. Your brother confirmed it when he showed up that night and dismantled my cult.", he said, closing that chapter and relaxing, trying to let it go. "Then I realized the legend was true. Heh, he's even stronger than they say. I just can't let it go, knowing his current master is a novice in this matter destroyed my group by mistake."

"I don't care about your opinions or your cult's fate. I only want what you know about the Yami Legion.", the Yami Tool's eyes burned fiercely. "Stick to the main points, or else..."

"Okay, sorry. In that case, let's just say it makes me think. Why didn't he rescue the lord of chaos? And why did he see Celestia, only to look for Twilight Sparkle afterward that day?", he set aside his satisfied smile and became serious. "With a little effort and some deductions, I discovered the master roles... and the consequences."

"And?", the Yami Tool prompted him to continue, all while keeping his hand hidden with his former partner under his coat.

"With all of that, I also discovered the existence of the Yami Legion. Before the Sun Summer Celebration, I investigated more about him and others like him around Terra.", even though he knew what was coming, Fire continued without worry.

"Thanks to him, the other legends finally had their own veracity. It's not hard to hear or talk about strange black metal knights with unusual powers from many different species and countries... It just means there's a group that manages them, and that's where the Yami Tools come from."

"So what? Even foals could grasp the idea of the legion. If that's all you've got, then you're no different from the others.", the Yami Tool reply, deciding to end the task. "If you have nothing else to say, we can put an end to this."

"You are right, there is no mystery in the legion.", Fire said, closing his eyes. The Yami Tool was about to proceed with his task.

Until. "But when I met your brother, the so-called Unit #3, it made me question things. What about you? What are you trying to hide, Unit #2?"

THUNK

A heavy metal step echoed throughout the dungeons. Even if he made a mistake, revealing his location and presence, the Tool Yami, Unit #2, remained frozen, staring at the pony. He knew he had to finish this, he knew he had to leave when he was done, and he knew how important his task was. But the tool did not move or act as it should.

Instead, he couldn't let go of something that interested him. "Go on... where are you trying to go with this?"

Fire smirked and opened his eyes. "I don't know how Yami Tools work, but your brother didn't act like a simple unit, did he? There must be some explanation. At first, I thought he might be a prototype, given his species isn't something Terra has seen before. But then you came here and showed me he's the third one. So, what about the first and second units? It's obvious you're the second unit. Or are you the prototype? I can accept either."

"...I am the second, but not a prototype, neither he is, just as you guessed.", Unit #2 relaxed and bent down to meet him at eye level. Ignoring everything else, he decided to take Fire seriously, revealing his hands as he moved the top of his coat. "I see you have questions, but now I have mine."

Fire did nothing, simply waiting for him to reveal his face. A metal helmet covered his entire head, adorned with red stripes on its metal plates and joints, a V-shaped crest on his forehead, and a flat metal face without a mouth.

Unit #2 looked at Fire, face to face, with burning red eyes. A human Yami Tool, just like Shadow. "How did you discover my secret?"

"Remember the consequences... It makes me theorize about the existence of rules.", Fire repositioned himself, crossing his legs. He would be serious from now on since Unit #2 had recognized him. "Like any group, there are rules to obey to prevent anyone from manipulating the power given to them. But what makes them actually follow these rules? Even a perfect system cannot be maintained indefinitely."

Unit #2 remained silent, his red eyes fixed on Fire. It was listening intently now, waiting to see where this conversation would lead.

Fire continues, knowing he has his chance. "I understand that there must be a leader or a head. However, maintaining the same order within a group for years, centuries, or even millennia is impossible. Perhaps only an eternal leader and unbreakable morality could sustain it. But that is where the true mystery lies. Then, I question myself."

Fire stared into his red eyes, tension crackling in the air. "Besides the rules, who punishes those who don't obey? Who makes the masters and the tools to follow the rules? And if there is a deserter, whether master or tool, who will stop them from misusing the power of the legion?"

Unit #2 remained silent, he even had to control the desire to intervene. And he was rewarded for what Fire said next.

"All of these questions... have the same answer. It's you, isn't it?", Fire's eyes narrowed, his voice had a tone that assured his accusation. "You, Unit #2, hunt down anyone who disobeys, masters and tools alike. That's why we haven't heard of or met other masters and their Yami Tools."

"Affirmative. Those are my orders."

Fire flinched as Unit #2 finally decided to reply, addressing the only pony that had captured his attention. "Any User who thinks to defy the Three Yami Commandments. Any Unit that malfunctions or breaks from their chains. All of them have met my blade. And all of them have met their end through me."

A cold wind swept through the dungeon corridor, affirming the truth in those words.

All this time, the other prisoners were unaware of Fire's guest. Yet, his presence and his words made everyone, even Fire, feel the looming presence of Death, ready to harvest the souls of the living. Fire never backed away from it; he embraced it, showing that he was prepared to face it.

Even if he wasn't finished.

"Still, that doesn't answer your question.", Unit #2 said, preparing for what he wanted to know. "Is that what you really want?"

Fire inhaled deeply, both physically and mentally, to face his fears. "How is it possible... that you, since the beginning of time... unlike your brother...", he hesitated, disbelief creeping into his voice. "Have been... without a master all this time?..."

Unit #2 didn't answer him back.

He kept his eyes locked on Fire's, ensuring this was indeed his question.

Unable to hold the gaze any longer, the tool looked down and closed its eyes.

Fire was sweating, unable to fathom what could provoke such a question. He even braced himself for Lord Erebus to appear before him.

The silence stretched on, eternal and unbroken.

Until he laughed. "Heh...hahahahaha...haha."

Fire shuddered, he never expected to see this. Unit #2 was laughing. "...Ha ha ha..."

The laughter was calm and low, meant only for him, yet it was darker than that of a true tyrant. Fire had nothing to say in this moment. He was bracing for the worst, but he knew it was even worse when Unit #2 lifted his head again. Fire knew he was now facing the true danger of the Yami Tools when he saw those demon-red eyes.

A Yami Tool without a master.

"Marvelous. I have to thank you, Fire. No, Stellar.", Unit #2 then stood up.

Fire could only watch, a chill of fear running down his spine. He saw that Unit #2 was bigger than Shadow, and the danger was far worse.

He was now the target by this Unit. "I came here to end you when you discovered my orders. And I am happy to have had this talk with you, for you have proven me wrong. Ponykind is not as hopeless as I thought. As a gift, I will tell you the truth."

Fire's instinct screamed at him to run, even though he knew he couldn't outrun him. To call for help, even though it would be useless. But he stayed there. His pride in knowing the truth gave him the strength to face it.

To face him. Unit #2 of the Yami Legion.

"All of it is correct. I have been here since the Yami Legion was founded. I was there witnessing when the rules were established. I was the one ordered to keep the power of the Yami Tools under control. I was the one who ended countless lives of Users and Units. And I am hunting down those who know of my existence in this role. Everything is correct, because I am Unit #2 of the Yami Legion."

Fire swallowed hard, his mouth dry with nonexistence, unable to contain his mounting fears. His terror grew as the cold intensified, amplified by Unit #2's presence. Death loomed over him, palpable and imminent, as he heard it.

"The Anti-Unit, for I was created with the power to kill both Users and Units. Yet, you are wrong about your question."

Fire snapped out of his trance just in time as Unit #2 approached him. Lowering his voice so only Fire could hear, Unit #2 spoke with a respect that Fire had earned, deserving the ultimate truth of the mystery he had been hunting for. As Unit #2 drew closer, the dungeon grew colder, causing the torches to flicker and nearly extinguish. Shadows danced around Unit #2, highlighting only his demonic, vertical slit eyes.

That Fire had been wrong. "I do have a master. I receive my orders, and rules are imposed upon me. It is expected for someone like you to think as you did. And it is because..."

Fire strained to catch every word. When Unit #2 finished speaking, Fire's eyes widened in disbelief.

The truth left him speechless. "I-i-i-impossible... h-h-how... i-i-it can n-n-not be— Possible?"

Unit #2 stepped back from him. "That is why we were created, to make the impossible possible. And this is why I need to silence anYONE WHO COMES CLOSE TO MY TRUTH."

Unit #2 had ended, leaving nothing more to say. His voice began to distort, growing deeper and more monstrous. Determined to put an end to it, he watched as his helmet transformed. The metal plates bended and separated, forming a demonic mouth. Meanwhile, his body swelled in size beneath his coat.

His demonic voice, still emotionless, scares Fire to the core.

"THAT'S WHY I ENDED UP WITH THAT TEAM OF SPIES. I FINISHED THOSE IN MANEHATTAN. AND NOW YOU, FOR KNOWING THIS SECRET AND MY EXISTENCE. FOR MY RULES ARE ABSOLUTE. AND SINCE YOU HAVE EARNED MY ATTENTION, I WILL ALLOW YOU TO MEND YOUR MISTAKE."

His demonic, emotionless voice sent chills down Fire's spine. His heart pounded in her chest, and he felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. His hands trembled as he tried to steady himself, the fear was overwhelming.

Yet he accept his fate and his judgement. "HAVE YOU TOLD ANYONE ELSE?"

"...No...", he whispered, realizing nothing would change. He accepted it and closed his eyes, thinking of the only pony he cared about. 'Trixie... don't follow my example... my dear granddaughter.'

Unit #2 gave him a moment to pray, allowing Fire to choose his final words. But time ran out. The torchlight was swallowed by the encroaching darkness. Other prisoners cowered under their beds, hiding from the monster they hadn't known to fear. The silence was so profound that not even a mouse dared to disturb it. Unit #2 and its voice loomed over its prey.

"SO BE IT."

His voice resonated through the darkness, then vanished into the void. Unit #2 disappeared. Fire disappeared. The presence of Death vanished. The dark dungeon showed no sign of life.

Until, a new voice emerged from afar at the entrance.

"See, here are the keys.", the mare's voice echoed. "You must have dropped them when you climbed the stairs."

"Hmmm, I still think something's wrong here.", her stallion partner's voice joined hers. "I'm sure I attached the keys securely... I don't know how they could have fallen from my belt."

"Whatever you say. But why did you leave your position? I never asked you for help, I was trying from other guards. I never came back, and there was no way you could hear me from here. That poor maid and that vase were in another hallway. It was a miracle we were the ones who discovered it."

"Hey, I'm as confused as you are. I could hear you as if you were at the top of the stairs and— huh? Why is it so quiet?"

"...You are right and —CREAK— why is it so dark inside? Quick, go get a new torch."

After a few seconds, the dungeon lit up with the new torch the two guards brought. They were in for the surprise of the day when they discovered that all the torches were out. But the real shock came when they started checking each cell.

"Buck. When we will bring light stones to this place?", the stallion guard muttered as he used his magic to light up the torches. "It's not like the prisoners can do anything with them."

"There was an incident when a unicorn thief used the magic of the stone before. But with them...", the mare trailed off as she lit up a prisoner's cell with her torch.

She didn't need to look for the prisoner. The sound of teeth gnashing could be heard from under the bed, accompanied by his murmurs.

"...the dark demon...*SOB* is back... *SOB* please... mother Faust... *SOB* don't let him find me again...", the earth pony prisoner resonate on his cell.

"I believe these prisoners are too scared to even think about escaping.", the mare guard said to her partner at her side. "Are these really the worst criminals they talked about in the news? I can't believe this is one of the leaders of the Children of the Night."

"Hmm, I think this is Earth, an ex-guard who wanted war against other nations.", her companion replied. "He was almost at the level of Captain Iron, but now... he's just a scaredy-cat in the darkness— What the? Hey, is that cell open?!"

The mare turned to where her partner was pointing. In the distance, she saw a cell door open with a hole in the back of the lock. Afraid of what they might find, both guards ran to the cell with their weapons drawn. But they found nothing. No matter how hard they searched, even after calling for backup and having detectives examine the cell, there was no trace of the prisoner. It was as if he had vanished from the world. All that remained were the prisoner's handcuffs, collar, and the only possession he had hidden all this time.

An old drawing of his granddaughter, dressed as a magician, with the title 'The Great and Powerful Trixie.'

The next day, dark clouds loomed over Canterlot. Despite the announcement of Luna's return the previous day, the atmosphere remained ominous. A mother, bearing a terrifying discovery, rushed to the castle, where Princess Celestia personally attended to her.

It was then that the news of the spy chief Gadget's disappearance reached her ears.

'Gadget... please, let us be wrong about your disappearance. I can handle the leader Fire vanishing, but not you.'

Celestia walked through her castle after comforting a distraught mother and her daughter, who were worried about Gadget. His family was anxious because he hadn't shown up after his last letter, which promised he would see them that morning.

The ponies knew he would not let his family unattended. 'I hope General Fort can find any clue about his whereabouts.'

Celestia was fine with him missing her sister's announcement, but when Gadget's mother came asking about his whereabouts, she knew it was serious. In the past, he had missed some meetings but never left his post unattended. His mother always received his latest assignment and knew when he was about to see her. When his last letter said he was about to visit her and he never showed up, it was enough to warrant creating a search team.

"But it will take time, so let's address the other matter.", Celestia said as she finally arrived at her intended destination. She entered the castle's medical research laboratory.

Wearing her royal dress after her morning auditions, she entered the laboratory without a care for getting dirty. Outwardly, she seemed nonchalant, but inwardly, she crossed her fingers, hoping for a day when the lab would be neat, clean, and free of any bloody messes.

To her delight, the lab had been spotless for two days in a row, a rare and almost miraculous sight in the castle. She entered and marked a third day in a row, Celestia's concern eased but confirmed the only reason. The lab user was deeply focused on their current research.

When she entered, she wasn't surprised to see Pink at her desk, but she was surprised to see her husband next to her. "Captain Iron? I didn't know you were here."

"Greetings, Your Highness.", Iron attempted to stand up from his chair, but a gesture from Celestia made him stop. She saw the pain in his face, even sitting down. "Buck... I definitely need to use that crane."

"It's okay, Iron.", Celestia said as she walked closer. "We hoped your strength would hold out longer, but we knew the price of your armor would catch up with you eventually. You don't have to push yourself until retirement."

"You are right, from here it will be difficult with this weak body.", Iron said, leaning back in his chair. "While it's no longer a surprise, I believe Shining is ready to replace me. I've taught him everything I could, even the management of the guard corps. And if you ask me, he's like his little sister, both have the talent to be the new heroes Equestria needs."

'Yeah... could Twilight also replace me to rule Equestria? But then we have the curse of Lord Erebus to consider and...', Celestia thought, turning to the owner of the lab.

All this time, Pink had her back to her and Iron. Ignoring Celestia could only mean one thing. "...Shadow. Pink, have you discovered anything from Shadow's blood?"

"No.", Pink finally acknowledged Celestia, though her gaze remained fixed on the sample. Frustration welled up as she watched it shift from red to black, her little distraction costing her sample. "Buck it... it destroyed itself."

Celestia couldn't see the sample, but she knew Pink was using a magic spell to create a time-freezing box. She observed the magical box enveloping the microscope, making the sample appear as if it were encased in an ice cube. Pink was ensuring the spell's strength, but a brief greeting caused a nanosecond lapse, weakening the spell.

Pink's entire medical equipment was enchanted by this spell, and even the sample boxes she carried were included. Pink had this spell on her microscope to keep the samples frozen while she examined them. But despite her efforts, securing the samples in the box under the spell and reinforcing it in her microscope, the blood died before she could do anything about it.

"Ah buck... this is useless...", Pink stopped the spell and pulled away from the microscope, rubbing her eyes, which were dry from hours of examination. "Each time it's the same. No matter how I try to prevent it, it's too strong and yet fragile at the same time. What the buck is he made of?"

"Pink, what do you mean?", Celestia asked, bringing a chair over for a potentially long conversation. "Is Shadow's blood too complicated to analyze?"

"I wish it were complicated, because then I'd have a chance.", Pink said, leaning back and crossing her arms. Now she could see more than just white and red blood cells, but also what she couldn't understand. "It's simply impossible, Your Highness. I have found nothing at all."

Both Celestia and Iron narrowed their eyes. Celestia knew that Pink giving up was a bad sign, but she wondered 'what'. "What do you mean, impossible? Is it the equipment? Are you having issues identifying the cells in his blood? Or are you unable to concentrate on your investigation?"

"It's not that I can't examine it.", Pink said, demonstrating with the microscope. The dark substance had now evaporated. "It's because there's nothing to examine in the first place."

Both stared at the now empty plate, not even a dark spot remained. Pink noticed their confusion. "With the time freeze spell cube, I can freeze any sample. No matter the type of flesh tissue, blood, or biological material, this spell keeps it fresh as long as the magic is in effect. This helps medical investigators like myself examine the same sample until there's nothing left to investigate."

"I know.", Celestia nodded, acknowledging the spell's effect. "After all, I helped create it many years ago. And I know its only weakness.", she said, narrowing her eyes, understanding where Pink was heading.

"Of course, it has one weakness and flaw.", Pink smiled, not out of happiness, but madness. "It's useless if the sample dies, even under the spell's effect, even if it's ten times stronger than normal."

"What?!", Iron exclaimed. He wasn't an expert, but he knew that was a lot of magic, and it still failed. "Even you can't maintain it with your magic level? But you're the greatest medical unicorn in the health department."

"Yes, I am the best unicorn. It's compressible at my level.", Pink said, staring at Celestia, indicating why it was impossible. "But not when it's at the level of our Princess Celestia."

Before Iron could question further, Celestia had to confirm it herself. "So you're telling me that my spell, after helping you secure the samples, can't stop them from degrading until you finish your tests? Even after enhancing it ten times with my alicorn magic? Is that what you're saying?"

Pink grinned, knowing she had hit the mark. "Crazy, isn't it?", she used her magic to bring the sample box, opened it, and showed the multiple black-red to dark-black goo samples. "As you can see, all the samples are contaminated or dead. Any secrets they could have revealed are gone."

Iron frowned, trying to understand what the magic users were discussing. Whatever was in Shadow's blood was stronger than Celestia's magic. "How is that possible? Isn't the blood frozen in time?"

"Well, in theory, the spell stops all movement in the cells.", Pink explained to her husband, starting with the basics of the spell. "While the cells aren't moving, there's no loss of energy or nutrients in the red cells. When they run out of oxygen, the red cells start to die and turn black. But that's not what's happening in Shadow's blood."

She then showed them some pictures she had taken before the blood cells died. "As you can see, Shadow's blood is like any other living being's. It has red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Yet, there's something there that shouldn't be."

They both examined the image of red blood cells and other familiar cells, knowledge they had gained through their studies and Pink's teachings. However, neither could identify the black cells or explain why the image was distorted around them. All they could discern was that these strange cells were consuming other cells, including themselves.

Celestia and Iron stared at the image for so long that they became lost in thought. They had never seen anything like it, and it was so bizarre that they considered it might be an alien entity. Yet, in the process, they arrived at the same conclusion, or rather, the answer to Pink's enigma.

Celestia was the first to turn away from the photos. "Is this the cause of the blood being destroyed, as you said, Pink?"

"Yup. That's the only answer I can accept.", Pink said, finally relaxing as she shared this strange finding. She was relieved to know she wasn't the only one going crazy.

"No matter what spell we use, how strong it is, or any method we try to check or analyze this cell, it manages to resist and escape, starting to destroy any evidence that existed."

She turned around and looked at all the samples she had taken that day.

"From the first to the fifth sample, they all turned into dead goo in the syringe. The sixth to the eighth samples resisted and died after my spells affected them. The rest started to decompose after your spell lost its effect. Each of the ten extra samples we took was destroyed at different times. But the result is the same. They all beat your spell and destroyed Shadow's blood, stopping us from finding anything..."

She paused, Pink had one picture that she captured with her microscope camera that she didn't share to them. "It's like it's alive, fighting back against us.", she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The image displayed a black cell, its eerie red dot for an eye seeming to stare at her. Aware of Pink's presence. She hid it in her coat, planning to burn it as soon as possible.

Iron stayed quiet, for he could only listen. Pink stopped resisting and let her crazy smile show after all the frustration she had endured. It was now directed at her princess. As for Celestia, she was worried. Many thoughts raced through her mind, and she was concerned about what the Yami Legion could have done to Shadow to turn him into a Yami Tool. Rather than guessing, she decided to ask the only pony who could tell her something about it.

"Pink.", Celestia crossed her arms and looked directly into her eyes. "Is Shadow a danger to be near?"

"No.", Pink lifted her finger to show a band-aid on it. "I dropped a single drop of my blood on the sample before and after. My blood cells were not affected at all and only focus on Shadow's cells. And besides the black cells, Shadow doesn't have any foreign agents we should worry about."

Both Celestia and Iron relaxed. Now they could sleep, knowing Shadow didn't carry the end of ponykind in his blood. But the truth was far more mysterious and unsettling than they could imagine. Pink let them sink into this false sense of security before unveiling the hidden truth.

"Celestia.", she stared directly into her Celestia's eyes. "While all normal tests failed or couldn't be executed, there is one that succeeded. The scan of the magic level in the blood... it was the highest of all time. This only means one thing."

Iron didn't understand, but Celestia did. "Even... my own test?"

"Correct.", Pink said, stopping her playful demeanor and getting straight to the point. "Shadow can now be considered a magical being rather than a mere living being. But not just any magical being, there is only one race that compares to him. Shadow is on the level of a celestial alicorn."

She paused, To make sure the gravity of her words sink in both she decide to explain. "To put it into perspective, there are different levels of magical beings. At the lowest level, we have basic magical creatures like unicorns and pegasi. Above them are the advanced magical beings, such as powerful dragons and elementals. Higher still are the celestial beings, like alicorns, who possess immense magical abilities and longevity. Of course, there are levels among alicorns as well, such as Cadance being a new alicorn. Not naturally born like you and Princess Luna."

Pink's eyes narrowed as she continued. "But Shadow show that could surpasses even Celestia's test. No, it shows that he is higher than even natural celestial alicorns. This explains many things, such as how the last human has survived all this time. His strange power, natural strength, and longevity can all be explained if we consider Shadow as a being of a higher magic level, a celestial alicorn."

Once again, they both remained silent, processing this discovery. Iron had a hard time thinking about what this could mean. But when it came to military matters, he was an expert. He simply wanted to convey this fact to Pink and his princess.

"This black cell...", Iron stared at the picture and the black spots in the blood. He might be wrong, but he had to confirm it. "We just saw how Shadow's armor can enter and come out of his body. So, could it be that these black cells are what it's made of?"

He then turned to Pink. "Does this mean that any Yami Tool or being that has these black cells can be considered a weapon on the level of, or even stronger than, Princess Celestia's magic?"

"Shadow has already shown us that he is as strong as Princess Celestia.", Pink said, addressing her husband's concerns. "We've seen it and confirmed it with everything we've been told about his infiltration of the castle and his battle with Nightmare Moon."

Pink pause for a moment to place her hand on her chin. "Even so, I still don't know how it works. I've given up trying to understand his armor. With this discovery and the time when Shadow threatened me, I now understand what he meant. I may not be able to examine it, even if I have a chance to obtain a piece of it."

She then turned to all the dead samples, some of which had already evaporated, leaving a dark spot. "Whoever made this... it was obvious they weren't going to allow anyone to access this technology. And no, I don't think it can be reproduced so easily."

The last part was said as Celestia began to worry about Pink's next statement. "Maybe Shadow has an organ or a bone that produces these magical black cells, and with my tests, it only recognizes the host DNA. And I don't want to know what would happen if some fool tried to inject his blood. Even I am not so cruel as to make any of my test subjects try it."

"Neither do I want that kind of fate for any of my ponies.", Celestia said, massaging her forehead to alleviate the headache all this had brought her.

'Shadow's origin, the Yami Legion, The Three Yami Commandments... and Lord Erebus. What was the objective of all this? For what was Shadow created? And why was my father so desperate to find the truth about humankind's destiny? Does this have something to do with the ancient war?'

While Celestia was lost in her thoughts, Iron set aside all the craziness and focused on what he and his wife were trying to find out of Shadow. "Honey, even if you fail at this, will you continue with our other matter?"

"Oho~ Of course, I will keep it.", she said confidently. It was the security of their daughters. "Because of this headache I couldn't verify if he can get a mare pregnant. I know he has the organ but I won't let him use it on our daughters!"

Pink was clenching her teeth for the frustration. "IF I wanted, I even may will choose a test subject (whore) to find out... for I wouldn't let my daughters to be the sacrifice subjects for that.."

Iron and Celestia, she just finished thinking on time, witnessed how her gaze could kill a pony. Iron had already expected this level of anger from his wife because he knew their ambitious daughters well. They had inherited her sense of loyalty and their mother's stubbornness, along with a strong conviction to achieve their dreams.

Iron hoped that a good stallion like Shining would appear in their lives, but then Shadow took on that role. He just wished that no pony would die and that if things could be arranged to make everypony happy, he might accept Shadow as his son-in-law.

Celestia was different. In fact, she was worried about the future of Equestria with this discovery. If a Yami Tool had the power to overcome her, what could she do to stop an invasion from an army? All she knew, or thought, was that someone had to lead the legion. Her concern was why they hadn't taken action yet.

As she turned to see the city from a window, she asked herself, 'When will we meet this entity? And what will fate bring to Twilight and Shadow?', she sighed, thinking.

'I wonder if it will be right to invite Shadow to the gala? Luna says she may come if he comes... SIGH... This is not how I wanted to recover my sister...'

"Hmm... I don't know what to say.", Twilight stared at Rarity's work. "I'm not a fan of fashion, so... does he look okay?"

Twilight's day started well. She woke up with a good feeling she couldn't quite place but was happy about. She woke up alone in her and Spike's room, but she didn't worry at all and got ready for the day. When she came downstairs, she found her breakfast made by Spike at the kitchen table beside her library. She sat down to eat but didn't take a bite because she was looking for Shadow.

That was until the front door opened, and without wasting a second, Twilight turned to see Shadow entering the library through the door. She could see perfectly how her Yami Tool entered the building and joined them in the kitchen.

Both brothers waited for him, only to inform Twilight that some of her friends had arrived early, along with some fans who hadn't come yesterday to meet him. He attended to each one until they left, but then he was invited by Rarity and Apple Bloom. When she heard Rarity's invitation, there was a clicking sound as Twilight dropped her fork. She slowly turned around and calmly asked why, not because Cadance might be right.

And there they were, at Carousel Boutique for Shadow's haircut.

"Twilight, sweetie, 'looking good' would be if I didn't care.", Rarity said, walking around her work, checking for any missed details. "But we're talking about Shadow's mane being unattended for... millennia. While I can recognize your mother's work, this is an extreme situation that only somepony like me can handle."

"Well, we can't deny you are better than me and my mother. But... was it really necessary to use all of that?", Twilight turned to see the two huge trash bags filled with shampoo, conditioner, repair oils, hair masks, dry shampoo, styling cream, shine serums, and many other products. "It looks expensive. I don't think my allowance can cover all that."

"Don't worry, darling. It's on me.", Rarity said with a reassuring smile. Even if it were dozens of luxury products, she didn't mind. "We didn't have much time at the hospital, but it was clear that Shadow's appearance had been neglected. The doctors may say he's fine, but every pony deserves a good bath and cleanse."

Besides maintaining his mane, Rarity also decided to check his skin and face for any scars. Both mares were surprised to find none, not even a mark from the big hole in his chest. Twilight discovered many facts: the armor indeed kept Shadow healthy, preventing any odor, and he was starting to gain weight and body mass, though he still had a long road ahead.

Rarity was visibly upset about the last part. "While I wanted to make him a set of clothes later, now I'll have to do the best I can with his mane. I fear that his measurements will change while he recovers. So, while we wait, we can at least fix this long and messy hair." She then looked at the bag filled with the hair she had cut.

Twilight followed her gaze, she looked at the new Shadow. While her mother had only trimmed the ends and brushed his mane, Rarity had done her best to cut off all the unnecessary hair, groom the sides of his head, and trim the front to give him a new look.

"Just a little trim here... hmm, another here... I believe it's done.", Rarity said as she separated and rotated him on his chair. "What do you think?"

Shadow's mane was now shorter, reaching only to his neck. Besides Velvet's discovery of his whirling, Rarity found he had a hair tail. Using her imagination, she trimmed it into a perfect short ponytail with his now short mane. She also evened and trimmed the sides, doing a professional job that made him look clean. His small ears, which the mares couldn't resist comparing to a monkey's, were now free of the lump of hair that had hidden them. The front of his mane was fixed, no longer reaching his eyes, short yet not too much, allowing for a spiked or combed look in the front.

The mares stared at him for a long time, many thoughts running through their minds. They continued to stare even as Shadow turned around and looked at the body mirror on the other side. He had no problem seeing his reflection. However, there was a slight trace of shock on his face, even with his usual emotionless expression.

He raised his hand and touched his face, unable to accept that this was his true appearance.

This unique moment that the mares were having fascinated them, and they did not dare to interrupt. But a little dragon couldn't understand what the girls were looking at.

YAWN With a big yawn, Spike woke up from his nap on the couch in the reception room. "Are you finally done? YAWN Huh? Why so- Oh! You are really done?!", he sat up, got up, and walked towards them, making Shadow snap out of his trance, ruining the moment for the girls' taste.

He went to Shadow's side to see him closer and express his opinion. "Whoa... You really look like a different pony. But I really liked the long mane.", he walked around, not liking how Shadow ended up. "Hmm, you don't look as threatening as before. I really prefer how wild it looks, like in my Saiyan manga. Pretty dumb and wasted if you ask me."

"Hmmm.", Rarity thought about that kind of look. "I do believe Shadow has that wild side. But I think my work makes him look like a new pony. Unlike me.", she sighed, frustrated because short manes were no longer a trend. But then she walked up behind him. "However, this makes us look like a couple. Don't you think, Shadow~"

Spike and Twilight's eyes widened, each with their own jealousy. Shadow didn't care in the end. "Thank you. But I have to decline this look if Twilight doesn't want me to have it."

"That could be the case.", she embraced him from behind. "However, you must know the mind of a mare, my little Shadow. I know that Twilight likes your new look, just as I do. Don't you think, Twilight~"

'Is she provoking me or sending me a message?', Twilight stared at her.

While she tried to settle her emotions, she still knew that Shadow, even with the rules, was single. She had enough with those two sisters in Canterlot after him. But in the end, she took this as a message for the battles she would face with Shadow from now on, both with him and her personal ones.

While everypony was busy, Shadow received an alert. "Twilight.", he said, making Rarity release him and stand up. With his full armor reactivated, including the helmet, he walked towards Twilight. "It's almost 10 am. Our meeting with Applejack is close, and if we don't leave, we might be late."

"Oh! Yeah, Apple Bloom came personally to tell us this morning.", Twilight said remember what she talk with her yesterday.

Applejack had already told Twilight yesterday that if they didn't have plans for today, they could come to the farm to spend the day. Apple Bloom just wanted to see Shadow, so she personally came to invite them. "Well, in that case, we shouldn't let Applejack wait any longer."

Shadow nodded. With that, the duo thanked Rarity for everything. They walked with Spike behind, saying goodbye to Rarity, which took more than five minutes. Shadow continued forward, opening the door for her and waiting for her to enter the new world before her. For a moment, she lost herself in Shadow's eyes, only to smile and accept his help.

And so, they took their first steps together into their new lives. Twilight and Shadow. Pony and Yami Tool. User and Unit. Master and Servant. This was their beginning in this new world.

Author's Note

Hi again, and congratulation for reaching the end! Yes, this is the end for now on this book, you can considered this as the prologue book of Shadow and Twilight. This book is more how they meet as well the pillars to define this universe. And while I leave some mysteries unresolved for the next books, this story covers all the way until season 4 so because is too long and I wanted to make a good story, I will have to leave the rest to the other books.

That is why I can't complete this story in a year, and possible will have to takes breaks and vacation from it. In case that happen, I will leave my notes and update the status hiatus and only complete when I considered done and edited. But at least I will complete this story , for there were stories on this website I wanted to know the end of it but can considered death as for now. If I can't finished I will reveal all in a special note.

Again, Thanks for reading my story, Like and share to other users if you considered my story good or bad. All feedback are welcome. This may me the last chapter of Shadow and Twilight but the epilogue is around the corner, as well a special chapter.

P.S, Again unedited, will check later and once is complete can considered finish, bye!